Overnight Shimano have released details of the new Deore XT groupset, due for launch later this year.

True to past form, it draws a lot from XTR that was introduced last year. It's 11-sp, with options of 1x, 2x and 3x cranks. In 1x form, it also has the option of an 11-42 cassette alongside the 11-40 range (which remains for 2x & 3x variants) introduced with XTR.

march83 wrote:Can someone explain the rationale behind the offset bolt centres on the crankset/chainrings? Seems like it's going to trickle down through the entire range now.

If the reasoning is the same as for doing it to the most recent road cranks, allegedly it's due to the indivudual arms being subject to different amounts of force at various crank arm angles. Or something like that.

It was confirmed with 11-sp. XTR last year. The enormous diameter of the inner sprocket means there's no spoke interference, so the sprocket is dished back to gain the extra cassette width, leaving the core of the cassette the same as 8/9/10-sp. As a result, wheel stiffness isn't affected because it's not necessary to shift the right flange inboard to fit a longer freehub, as is required with road 11-sp.

Saw these new bits in the flesh at the Shimano dealers' launch. Not a great deal to add from what's already been revealed. Yes there is that monstrous 11-42 cassette for 1x drivetrains, and it is not compatible (allegedly) with XTR derailleurs. The rear derailleur, as with M9000 XTR is now only available in Shadow+ clutched form. The clutch mechanism is significantly upgraded over M785/6 10-sp. XT, and is much closer in performance to XTR. Clutch tension is now externally adjustable, so it's no longer necessary to remove the dust cover to get to the adjustment - much easier to tweak on the trail if required.

For those (like me) who still like multiple chainrings, there is a huge array of front derailleurs to pick through: High clamp. low clamp, high direct mount, low direct mount, top swing, bottom swing, side swing, 2x, 3x..... about a dozen different front derailleurs!

The brakes have had some minor attention; the calipers are an evolution of the highly-rated M785 units; the only real change is that they've been slimmed down a little, removing material from where there may have been a bit much. Pad options remain resin or metal compounds, with or without cooling fins. The levers have come in for a bit more attention. The Servo Wave cam, which varies the master piston stroke through the lever's travel, has been reprofiled so it's a much smoother action than the previous generation, which was criticised for being rather aggressive & jerky. Cosmetically, they're a little slimmer than the previous model.

Shifters are available in three mount options, bar clamp, I-spec-B to pair with older (M987/988/785B/675) brake levers, and I-spec II to pair with new XTR & XT levers. I-spec-B only offers lateral adjustment of the shifetr pods, while I-spec II also allows independent rotational adjustment of brake & shift levers. The shift feel is light, yet firm and precise, giving definite feedback when it's hit the next index point, with a considerably shorter stroke than previously.

At this stage there is still no mention of Di2 filtering down to this level.

Just announced overnight is new for 2017 XT Di2. Featuring all the tricks from XTR which has been out for nearly two years now, it's really through the use of different materials that brings it to a (relatively) more affordable level. However, it does bring one new trick to the party, which is also compatible as an upgrade to XTR: wireless connection via Bluetooth to the E-Tube software for system customising. This will enable tweaking at the trail via a suitable-equipped laptop,tablet or smartphone. Tricky.

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